21.07.2026

DFG: Infrastructure Priority Programme “International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)”

Deadline: September 23th, 2026

Drilling is an indispensable tool for modern geosciences, addressing a large variety of topics from deep-time Earth processes and their interaction with an early atmosphere, to understanding the entire chain from geohazards to the processes shaping the Earth’s present condition. The benefit of continental scientific drilling in helping us understand these processes is well documented by the long-running International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP). The main research questions driving SPP 1006 are shaped by the key themes summarised in the ICDP Science Plan 2020–2030 that include

• geodynamic processes,
• geohazards,
• georesources and
• environmental change.

Another important future development is the realisation of land-to-sea (L2S) drilling campaigns that include, for example, the holistic assessment of natural hazards, the interplay between fresh and sea water along coastlines, the transition between continental and oceanic crust, ice-sheet dynamics or the formation of sustainable georesources.

This Priority Programme provides opportunities for cutting-edge research on ICDP drilling data and samples, basic research on core material, development and preparation of scientific drilling projects, pre-site surveys, development and use of ground-breaking drilling devices and logging tools, and innovative experiment techniques for long-term measurements. Proposals submitted must have a very clear link to a future, ongoing or past drilling campaign.

Proposals must be submitted to the DFG by 23 September 2026.

The DFG strongly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from different ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological or social backgrounds, from different career stages, types of universities and research institutions, and with disabilities or chronic illness. With regard to the subject-specific focus of this call, the DFG encourages female researchers in particular to submit proposals.

Further information:
https://www.dfg.de/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten-themen/info-wissenschaft/2026/ifw-26-42 

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